LGBTQ Youth Prom

LGBTQ Youth Prom is solely for LGBTQ youth and supportive youth allies between the ages 16 to 19 years old who want to experience prom within a welcoming and safe space. The LGBTQ Prom has quickly become an essential component to Baltimore’s LGBTQ culture, and is seen as a space to celebrate LGBTQ youth gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation without fear of prejudice. Youth who attend will enjoy food, entertainment, and an interactive community resource fair.The LGBTQ Youth Prom planning committee is comprised of community members and youth-serving organizations such as STAR TRACK Adolescent Health Program at the University of Maryland, Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB), and the Baltimore chapter of The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN Baltimore). The prom planning committee members are Jabari Lyles, Michael Franklin, Anastasia Pierron, Eva Fury and Kurt Ragin.After some discussion, it was decided to pursue hosting a prom event. The planning committee immediately got to work, and produced Baltimore's first LGBTQ Youth Prom in May 2015. In November 2014, a small group of youth-focused, nonprofit organizations and coalitions in Baltimore met to discuss possibilities for an event that would provide a safe, affirming, positive and magical place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) young people. This event provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth to enjoy their special night while being validated and honored. Over 300 young people attend the event, with schools represented across Maryland and continuously growing each year.